New Autism Cure - breakthrough treatments and cures for autism

Are Biomedical Treatments Effective? (via)

Over the years, it has been debated whether or not factors other than neurological ones have anything to do with Autism and other  Neurological Disorders. Studies have found that many ND’s begin in the stomach and can be results of a poor or lacking diet.

Gluten has been one of the things connected to Autism, and many parents adopt a no bread - no dairty - all gluten free diet for their children. Also, it is believed that the bodies of children are often overwhelmed with heavy metals, toxins, viruses (from vaccines), and bacteria.  These factors often cause a slower or even stopped biochemical pathways to the body.

Biomedical Treatments is based upon the belief that the neurological symptoms experienced are the direct result of the physical ailments that children are having, and if the physical is treated, a great deal of symptoms can be alleviated. The main steps in a Biomedical Treatment are:

1. Decrease the level of toxins

2.Help the stomach to heal

3. Increase nutrients

4. Get rid of metals and other toxins.

It is believed that once these things are achieved, the neurological impairments will greatly improve. The most important and in depth step is the first step — Decrease the level of toxins.There are numerous things that are toxic to the body, and as many, if not all must be removed in order to achieve the greatest results. The things that can and should be removed are both dietary and environmental.

• From a diet aspect:  gluten, dairy, allergens, and bad sugars should all be removed from the diet.

• Household cleaners should be removed and replaced with natural forms.

• If your child needs dental work, be sure not to have silver fillings put in their mouths, as they contain mercury.

• Add a Hepa Air Filter to your child’s room.

• Ensure that any vaccinations that need to be given are Thimerosal free.
• Use a fluoride-free toothpaste

From here, it’s necessary to allow and assist the damages already infringed on the body to heal. This is often helpful if a combination of  vitamins are used. Cod Liver Oil, for example has a necessary level of Vitamin A and also aids in the repairing of intestinal walls. It’s also essential to use digestive enzymes and Colostrum (a stomach healing natural supplement) to better help in the body’s repair.

Also important is to keep the level of nutrients up by giving a sufficient level of Vitamins (A, D, B, Zinc, etc.) in order for the body to not only heal, but become stronger. To restore your child to good health, getting the toxins out via detoxification is helpful. There are natural detoxifires as well as medicinal (Chelation).

Bottom line, Biomedical Treatment is still being tested among Autism and Neurological Disorder patients. There  are many success stories. There are also doctors who believe that this method does not work, as they had no success with it. It’s important to keep in mind that the diets of children are traditionally very poor due to the Americanized diet. With that in mind, the removal of the poor diet and repairing of the body may take a little longer than expected due to the damages in the body.

We're quick to use them - but what are their risks?

Whenever we hear the words “you have a condition”, we often hope for it to be followed by “but we can treat it with medication.” One of the often used methods to treat Autism is medication.  After all, it is usually the cheaper and more convenient alternative to other available treatment methods.

With any medication, it’s important to make yourself aware of side effects. Many parents consider any side effects to be minor as compared to the symptoms their children are currently facing.  Some professionals have the opinion that medications don’t “cure” anything.  They merely conceal and minimize symptoms.  Even so, many look to medications as a temporary relief from troublesome side effects including self-injurious behavior.

The medications that are used to treat autism are Neuroleptics or “major tranquilizers”. These should not be confused with “minor tranquilizers” such as Valium and Xanax which are often prescribed to treat anxiety. Unlike minor tranqulizers, neuroleptics regulate the use of dopamine in the brain and often helps with autistic symptoms such as self-injury and obsessive, repetitive behaviors. When these symptoms are controlled, this can make children more attentive and able to learn and keep up with curriculum.

The most common side effect with Neuroleptics is sleepiness or heavy sedation. If a child suffers from this side effect, it is very possible that they may not be able to attend their treatments or study sessions and keep up with their treatments.  Other side effects include affects to liver function, effects to blood cells, behavioral changes including aggitation, and skin effects. True allergic reactions may also take place.

Another thing to keep in mind are the after effects of being on a Neuroleptic medication. Stopping the medication after extended use can often lead to unusual body movements in the head, neck and shoulders.  A condition known as Tardive Dyskinesia can also occur. Tardive Dyskinesia is a condition that causes involuntary movements, especially of the lower face. Tardive itself means “delayed” and Dyskinesia means “abnormal movement.” The condition is caused by neurons uncontrollably “misfiring” and is characterized by involuntary movements of the lips, tongue, face, and even arms and hands.

While it isn’t completely necessary to put your child on Neuroleptics for autism treatment, some doctors and physicians claim to get the best releif from symptoms this way. There are other medications being tested and prescribed for Autism treatments including anti-depressants including Lithium. In itself, being prescribed Lithium will require frequent blood work to regulate kidney and heart function. If Lithium is used in conjunction with a Neuroleptic, side effects must be watched very closely as other conditions can arise such as Encephalopathic Syndrome, which is a condition that is characterized headache, confusion, seizures, and visual loss.

While medications often offer the quickest and cheapest solution to controlling autism symptoms, it is very important that you make yourself very aware of the benefits and risks of taking the medication. Ask as many questions you can of your doctor and do your research. Some medications end up causing more damaging conditions, some irreversible, that will just require another medication to control. And there goes the cycle of medication.

Make yourself aware.

How beneficial is HBOT in treatment of Autism symptoms? (via)

The Hyperbaric Chamber is something that we often hear about athletes and high-profile celebrities using. The chamber has proven benefits by delivering 100% natural oxygen to the body while inside a pressurized chamber.

When 100% natural oxygen is delivered to the body under pressure, a great amount is absorbed by the blood stream and hereby delivering more oxygen to the body organs and tissues. This improves the effect and benefits of many antibiotics, activates white blood cells to fight off infection, and promotes chronic wounds to begin the healing process.

In cases of psychological and behavioral conditions, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), some research and studies have indicated a change in symptoms such as irritability, hyperactivity, speech and repetitive behaviors; all of which are commonly found in Autism cases. Other studies, such as the one discussed in a recent issue of Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, show little benefit of HBOT therapy in Autistic patients.

This recent study, conducted by the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) and led by Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D; Jonathan Tarbox, Dennis R. Dixon, Arthur E. Wilke, Michael S. Allen, and James Jeffrey Bradstreet, found that HBOT therapy had no significant effect on the symptoms of Autism.

There were only 2 factors considered in the randomization of study patients; age and ABA hours of treatment. When children are participating in ABA treatment, it’s to be assumed that a decent amount of them will be exhausted mentally and physically. This exhaustion level can prevent the HBOT therapy from working at full capacity and enabling children to benefit completely from the treatment.

There are some other controversial concerns about this most recent study as well. More than likely there will be another research and study done in which some of the constants are modified. Until the idea of HBOT and its effects on Autism symptoms is further examined, it may be too soon to write this off as an unbeneficial treatment option.

When the devastating news is delivered to a parent that their child has Autism, one of the first questions asked is “what do we do?”. One of the first things some doctors do is write a prescription for a medication. While there is no cure for Autism, and there is no medication that specifically treats Autism itself, there are medications that can treat some of the symptoms of autism; depression, mood swings, obsessive compulsive behaviors, and hyperactivity. A lot of these medications of side effects themselves, so one is left with the thought “is this really worth it?” Though not often spoken about, there are other effective treatments available.

There is a non-medicinal, non-invasive, effective and safe option available. The option is Neurotherapy.

What is Neurotherapy?

Neurotherapy, also called Neuro Feedback Training or Brainwave Biofeedback, is used to attempt to change the dysfunctional brainwave patterns of the autistic child towards normal. Research and clinical practice indicates that this approach can improve cognitive deficits, concentration, impulse control, depression, anxiety and seizure disorders. Neurotherapy is only used with high functioning children with Autism to improve attention deficits and Learning difficulties. (via)

How does Neurotherapy Work?

Neurotherapy can be compared to Physical Therapy for the brain. Typically, sensors are placed on the scalp and on each ear. Then, high-tech computer screens display brain waves within seconds of them occuring. Usually we cannot control our brainwaves, but when we are able to see them, it makes us more conscious of them. With practice it becomes commonplace to be able to control one’s brainwaves into a healthier pattern.

Is Neurotherapy Effective?

As with anything, you have to look at it on a case by case basis. Because it is specifically targeting the symptoms of Learning Disabilities and attention deficits, it is used with High Functioning Autism patients. In 2009 in collaboration with researchers from Tübingen University (Germany), Radboud University (Nijmegen, the Netherlands), Brainclinics and EEG Resource Institute a meta-analysis was conducted on published research about Neurofeedback treatment in ADHD which concluded that neurofeedback is an ‘Evidence-Based’ treatment for ADHD.